Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing security and mental health resources, a decision made just days prior to crucial votes by three North Texas cities regarding their continued membership in the service.
The DART board authorized an expenditure of $32 million to sustain its increased security measures for another year. This funding follows the initial deployment of 100 security officers, which was made possible through federal assistance from the American Rescue Plan Act. DART Board Chair Randall Bryant emphasized the necessity of integrating these additional officers into the agency’s permanent budget, highlighting the positive impact they have had on crime reduction.
Since the introduction of these officers four years ago, crime rates have reportedly decreased by 20 percent, according to Bryant. He acknowledged the concerns of passengers regarding safety on public transportation and expressed a commitment to implementing lasting solutions to these issues.
In addition to the security enhancements, the board’s recent vote will also support DART’s mental health initiative. Known as “DART Cares,” this program is designed to connect at-risk riders with mental health services through a collaboration with Parkland Health. The funding will facilitate the presence of mental health clinicians alongside DART police, allowing for immediate assistance to individuals facing homelessness or mental health crises aboard trains.
The overarching objective of the DART Cares program is to minimize the use of trains as makeshift shelters by directing individuals toward actual shelters and resources.
Looking ahead, voters in the cities of Addison, University Park, and Highland Park will cast their ballots on May 2 to determine whether to withdraw from DART services. Should they choose to leave, transit services in those areas would cease immediately. Collectively, these cities represent 3.7 percent of DART’s budget.
DART has made it clear that any decision to exit the service would result in the immediate loss of access to its transportation offerings for those municipalities.
